Altai: medicinal properties and contraindications

It is no coincidence that the botanical name for the marshmallow “Herbaomniborbium” in Latin is “grass from all diseases”. Even in ancient times, the healing properties of this plant were highly appreciated in the medical practices of Arab and European countries. And in the Middle Ages it was customary to decorate gardens with useful vegetation. At present, marshmallow grass has been well studied, and its unique properties are recognized by official medicine.

To meet the needs of the pharmaceutical industry today, this plant is specially grown on individual plantations. Extracts, infusions, syrups, and external products are made from medicinal marshmallow. The components of the marshmallow are part of cough tablets and many cosmetic care products. Healing grass is actively used in folk medicine. Given the fact that today the army of supporters of natural types of treatment is constantly growing, it is worth getting to know a modest plant that can heal from a variety of diseases.

Chemical composition

Grass has earned popular love in Eurasian territory. For many centuries, it served for the benefit of the health of our ancestors, for which it received sonorous names: wild rose, mallow, mallow, dog mug, marshmallow. Today, the plant continues to regularly fulfill its mission, being an indispensable assistant in the treatment of wounds, digestive disorders, skin diseases. But all the healing properties of marshmallow grass are provided with a rich composition, numbering several tens of substances and chemical compounds useful for humans. There are some differences in the composition of individual parts of the healing plant, but most of the beneficial components are concentrated in the roots.

The underground part of the altai grass contains:

• starch;
• mucus in large quantities;
• pectin;
• phytosterols - plant hormones;
• Sahara;
• vitamins;
• tanning elements;
• fats (mainly in the form of oils);
• aspartic acid;
• carotenes;
• phosphates;
• betaine;
• lecithin.

And also mineral components: zinc, selenium, magnesium, iron, bromine, calcium and a whole set of macro- and microelements.

Interestingly, most of the beneficial components are concentrated in the central, largest root.

The ground part of the mallow, that is, leaves and flowers, is rich in content:

• ascorbic acid;
• essential oils (in the flowers, these components are present in solid form);
• mucus;
• carotenes;
• rubbery substances;
• fatty oils (in seeds).

Such a diverse composition is of great value to humans, since it is the internal content that makes it possible to consider marshmallow grass as a natural source of useful elements.

Note: although all parts of mallow are widely used in medicine, the root of the plant is most valued. This part of the perennial is in demand in the pharmaceutical industry due to the high content of mucus and starches.

How it looks and where it grows

Marshmallow grass is perhaps the most prominent representative of the family of Malva crops. For inflorescences of extraordinary beauty, the plant is often called a wild rose.The history of the use of perennials in herbal medicine dates back to the time of Ancient Greece, when healers boiled flowers with honey or rubbed them in wine, and then treated scrofula and hemorrhoids with the resulting composition. It was in that distant era that the first descriptions of recipes appeared that are used in traditional medicine today. Galen and Hippocrates, Theophrastus and other luminaries of the scientific world of that time were mentioned about the healing potential of the altai grass in their works.

External characteristics of the altai grass:

1. Especially attractive mallow looks at the time of flowering, which lasts from June to July. During this period, on soft peduncles appear pale pink and white inflorescences. Moreover, the corolla consists of 5 petals, and in the outer part of the double cup there are 12 of them.
2. In early autumn, in place of flowers, fruits are formed that resemble a disk in shape. These disk-shaped nuts contain many seeds saturated with solid etheric components.
3. Under comfortable living conditions, mallow reaches two meters in height. Young plants have only one stem, while old plants can have up to ten branches pointing up. The leaves of the marshmallow to the touch resemble velvet, have a rounded shape and are arranged alternately.

Habitat

This healing herb is common throughout the world. Wild species love secluded places with moist soils: they settle in thickets of shrubs, in meadows, are found on the banks of rivers and lakes, near swamps. On an industrial scale, foundry grass is now cultivated in the Krasnodar Territory, and it is also grown in Ukraine.

Kinds

The widespread prevalence of perennials contributed to the emergence of species diversity. Among them there are wild and decorative species. In medicine, only three main types of marshmallow are used: Armenian, medicinal, hemp.

In order for the botanical description to be complete, it’s worth adding that the average life of a wild rose lasts 8–10 years, and the plant begins to bear fruit and bloom in the second or third year.

Good to know: Marshmallow officinalis is often confused with forest mallow, which is not surprising. After all, these two medicinal herbs have almost the same composition.

It is interesting: the fruit of the marshmallow is widely used as a spicy additive in cooking, and the roots are added to salads, bakery products, and jelly is cooked on their basis.

Collection and storage

For long-term storage, the roots and seeds of marshmallow grass are collected as a medicinal material.

Billet

The period from the end of summer until the beginning of autumn is suitable for collecting seeds. Collect plant materials should be in dry weather.

The roots are harvested in early spring, but this can be done in mid-autumn after the death of the ground part of the plant. When collecting roots, the following set of rules should be strictly followed:

• Dig out the roots so as not to damage the plant;
• to restore grass leave at least 30% of its total volume;
• select the roots of plants older than two years.

Material drying

Before drying, the collected roots should be thoroughly washed under running water. It is better to dry the rhizomes, cut into small pieces. It is recommended to cut the roots not across, but along their length. The canopy is considered the most convenient place for natural drying, but you can use a conventional oven to speed up the process.

The optimum temperature regime is 35–40 ° C.

Store the finished plant material in a glass jar or tin box. In such a container, all the healing properties of the raw materials will be preserved for three years.

The healing properties of Althea

Marshmallow is appreciated for its high content of mucus and pectins. It is these components that provide the basic healing properties of perennials. Since these substances are mainly found in the roots, most of the dosage forms according to popular recipes, as well as pharmacological preparations, are prepared from this part of the herb.

The main healing properties of Althea:

• anti-inflammatory;
• emollient;
• enveloping;
• expectorant;
• regenerative;
• sedative;
• anesthetizing.

The achievement of the listed therapeutic effects is necessary for the following diseases:

1. Respiratory tract inflammation: bronchitis, pneumonia, laryngitis. Preparations with marshmallow grass relieve the condition with asthma attacks.
2. Inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system. Receiving a decoction of the roots helps to relieve unpleasant symptoms.
3. Digestive ulcers, gastritis with high acidity. In such cases, marshmallow is simply irreplaceable.
4. Intestinal upsets and indomitable diarrhea that often accompanies dysentery. Here, too, one cannot do without mucous decoctions of the marshmallow root.
5. Various skin diseases, including even severe forms of psoriasis and eczema. They are successfully treated with solutions based on this healing herb. Such funds contribute to the rapid restoration of damaged areas of the dermis, They treat open wounds and burns.
6. Fungal infections. Altai root can also provide real help.
7. Inflammatory processes of the eyes. In such cases, washing with cold infusion of grass also helps very well.
8. Angina and problems with the vocal cords. Rinsing with a warm marshmallow solution is recommended. Similarly, such procedures can be performed at home in case of problems with the oral cavity.
9. With the use of a healing plant, joint diseases, pustular skin diseases are treated. It is proved that thanks to antioxidant abilities, the marshmallow root helps to reduce the risk of cancer.

Addition: mallow seeds are used in folk medicine as often as the root of a plant. On their basis, mainly antitussive preparations are prepared that facilitate breathing and contribute to the productive discharge of sputum.

For women

The benefits of marshmallow grass for women's health can hardly be overestimated. It is no accident that, according to one version, the Latin name of the perennial is associated with the wife of Aeneas - the hero of the Trojan War, who, to preserve the beauty, steamed marshmallow flowers in honey water. This elixir of youth is known as "Girl's skin." But not only cosmetic abilities became famous marshmallow. A decoction of seeds helps women in the subsequent period to quickly get rid of uterine secretions, and the leaves of the plant fight against breast tumors.

For men

Representatives of the strong half of humanity today increasingly turn to the experience accumulated by herbalists over many centuries. The unique composition of mallow in combination with traditional types of treatment helps to cope with adenoma and inflammation of the prostate gland. For this purpose, an aqueous solution of crushed roots is prepared. Tea with inflorescences, in which a high content of essential components, will help men maintain normal potency. Marshmallow is good for men's health in combination with other medicinal herbs: hollow, gingerbread, hemlock.

During pregnancy

Although there are no definitive prohibitions for taking formulations based on marshmallow grass during pregnancy, expectant mothers should still refrain from such treatment. Even relatively safe drugs, such as cough marshmallow syrup, should be taken only with the permission of a doctor. It is especially undesirable to be treated with marshmallow in late pregnancy, since such therapy can adversely affect the fetus.

When breastfeeding

Medications with marshmallow are forbidden to be taken by nursing women. This is especially true for alcohol-based drugs. Regarding funds for external treatment of the skin - they can be used without limitation.

For kids

In modern pediatric practice, treatment with Althea-based drugs is very common. Of course, we are talking about pharmaceutical products, because they are adapted for the treatment of small patients, therefore they are safe. Of course, the doctor should prescribe and control the treatment process, despite the fact that such drugs are dispensed in the pharmacy without a prescription. Syrup with marshmallow is usually prescribed for children by coughing.Optimal doses of sweet medicine:

1. For children under 6 years, ½ teaspoon three times a day.
2. Children from 6 to 12 years old - 1 teaspoon, and the number of receptions - up to 5 times.
3. Adolescents - 1 tablespoon per reception.

Since syrup with marshmallow is often prepared for alcohol, such a drug should not be given to infants.

Older children should be given syrup, diluted in proportion: 1 teaspoon per 50 ml of water. Such a measure will help prevent the development of an allergic reaction in children.

When losing weight

Many types of herbal medicine have proven effective in the process of weight loss. Moreover, in comparison with them, pharmacological products significantly lose in many positions. The marshmallow root is considered the champion in the fight against extra pounds. Mucous components do not allow fats to be absorbed, resulting in dull appetite. For productive weight loss, it is recommended to drink a warm decoction of marshmallow grass. Take the drug should be ½ hour before a meal, so that the drug has time to show its enveloping abilities as much as possible. A monthly course of such therapy will help not only lose 4-5 kg ​​of excess weight, but also saturate the body's tissues with vitamins, minerals, provide them with vital energy.

Marshmallow in folk medicine

For the centuries-old practice of using preparations based on marshmallow grass, doctors have succeeded in treating not only a common cold, but even severe forms of pneumonia, stomach ulcers, and skin diseases. Therefore, in official pharmacology, this perennial is considered a valuable natural raw material for the production of a number of drugs. Effective remedies for cough, gastritis, psoriasis are prepared from a healing plant. In traditional medicine, recipes developed hundreds of years ago are actively used. In combination with the main treatment complex, potions and home-made decoctions enhance the therapeutic effect, accelerating the healing process.

For practical use, we give only a few of the most popular formulations that should be used as aids in home treatment.

With angina

It is easy to prepare such a composition if there are dried marshmallow roots. You can buy plant material in a pharmacy or prepare yourself. The infusion is prepared by brewing crushed roots of the marshmallow root with a glass of boiling water. After eight hours of infusion, strain the solution, warm up a little before rinsing the throat.

Althea root (1 teaspoon) in combination with sage herb (1 tablespoon) helps well with angina. An infusion is prepared according to the same scheme, but the infusion period is reduced to 30 minutes. The procedure for gargling with purulent sore throat can be repeated 3-4 times a day.

Against cough

Even the most popular medicines cannot compare with medicinal marshmallows for the effectiveness of cough treatment. And given the high safety of the natural preparation and the ability to work in several directions, this herb is generally beyond competition. It is also attractive that such a medicine can be prepared at home. But at the same time, the recommended dosages must be observed.

1. Method 1 Grind the dried roots of the marshmallow, take 2 tablespoons of the raw material and pour boiling water (200 ml). Then put the resulting composition in a water bath. After half an hour, remove the infusion, strain, add a little honey. Take medicine after meals ½ cup up to three times.
2. Method 2 This is a cold brew method. A drug is being prepared according to the scheme: for 1 teaspoon of dry raw materials - 200 ml of water. Infuse the solution for 8 hours, then strain. Take a remedy from cough to food in 50 ml.

With a cold

Often, in folk medicine, for colds and inflammatory processes of the upper respiratory tract, dry marshmallow inflorescences are used as a base material.

The drug preparation algorithm:

1. Dry flowers of the plant in the amount of 1 tablespoon pour a glass of boiling water.
2. Then put the mixture for a quarter of an hour to languish in a water bath so that the plant base gives most of the useful components to the water.
3. Strain the solution.
4. When the infusion has cooled to 40 ° C, add honey.
5. Drink the medicine in the throat several times a day.

This recipe should be used at the very beginning of the disease, when clinical symptoms are extremely pronounced.

Gastric ulcer infusion

With peptic ulcer of the digestive system, especially during periods of exacerbation, the root of the marshmallow grass will help nullify the negative symptoms. In the treatment of this serious pathology, the enveloping properties of the plant and the ability to relieve pain are used.

1. Option 1. As a basis for the medicine, take a mixture of licorice root and marshmallow, as well as comfrey equally - 20 g each, pour the collection with boiling water (1 glass), put on low heat. Boil the herbal composition for 5 minutes, and then insist for another hour. Drinking a medicine is better at bedtime. Serving at a time - a full glass.
2. Option 2 This recipe also uses herbal collection: fennel fruits, chamomile flowers, licorice roots, wheat grass, marshmallow. Take 1 tablespoon of each component, and only 1 teaspoon is taken from the resulting mixture to prepare the medicine. Plant base pour 200 ml of boiling water. After half an hour of infusion and filtering, take the infusion in full once. It is better to do this before bedtime.

Remedy for prostatitis and adenoma

Herbalists recommend for men for the prevention and treatment of these most common pathologies, a simple recipe: you need to take 1 tablespoon with a hill of chopped roots of marshmallow grass, pour half a glass of ordinary water. After an hour, strain the infusion. It is recommended to take an herbal drink every two hours. Dose at the reception - 1 tablespoon. The therapeutic effect will intensify if the marshmallow infusion is taken along with the infusion of a gingerbread, hazel. This type of herbal medicine is based on the alternation of herbal preparations.

An effective prescription for diarrhea

This remedy is indicated in case of a prolonged period of diarrhea, as well as with indomitable diarrhea, which often accompanies intestinal infections. Shredded marshmallow root in equal proportions with wormwood and cuff grass. Then pour 30 g of herbal tea to 1 liter of warm wine (dry). When the solution is infused, drink half a glass on an empty stomach, and divide the rest of the drink into four servings. Each of these parts of the infusion is consumed hot. This remedy demonstrates an excellent result, after several receptions of a wine drink with an althea root, diarrhea ceases.

Allergy medication

An agent prepared according to the proposed recipe is suitable for treatment in cases where the cause of the allergy is medication or food. That is, for effective treatment, the correct diagnosis is needed. The process of preparing a medicinal infusion is simple: you need to take in equal doses of elecampane, licorice roots and marshmallow. Mix plant materials thoroughly, take 1 tablespoon of herbal collection, pour the base with two glasses of water. For ten hours, the medicine should be infused, after which it must be filtered. It is recommended to slightly warm the infusion before use.

Emphysema Remedy

Emphysema is a severe form of respiratory tract disease, which is characterized by the development of irreversible destructive changes in the lung tissue. People suffering from this pathology have difficulty breathing, they often have cough with sputum. The general condition of such patients can be improved through periodic courses of taking the composition prepared according to this recipe: pour the marshmallow roots with water (1.5 cups), infuse the resulting solution for an hour. After this period, the infusion is first mixed well with a spoon so that most of the beneficial components dissolve in water. Only after this procedure, strain the medicine. Drink three times a day in half a glass of warm drink. The standard course of maintenance herbal medicine is designed for 2 months. Repeat such preventive courses 2-3 times a year.

With emphysema, such a recipe is also effective: leaves and inflorescences (you can take fresh or dry material) in an amount of 2 tablespoons pour boiling water. After an hour of infusion, shake the solution, then strain. It is better to drink the infusion hot in a glass at one time.

The treatment for myositis and neuralgia

It is necessary to prepare a solution for lotions in problem areas. To do this, pour about 4 teaspoons of roots at night with cold water. Before performing the procedure, strain the solution, then moisten a piece of tissue with it, attach to the affected area.

As an example, many more popular and little-known recipes for alternative treatment can be cited here. For example, in the old days, healers for the treatment of infected wounds rubbed the roots of the marshmallow with duck fat, and then applied a bandage to the wound with the obtained ointment. Such treatment options are rarely used today. But, as in past times, and today during therapy with the use of medicinal herbs, one must strictly observe the preparation of drugs and the permissible dosages.

Types of healing compounds

As already noted, absolutely all parts of the marshmallow grass are suitable for the preparation of universal medicinal compositions according to folk recipes. It can be mono compounds or complex herbal preparations involving other useful plants. Traditionally, the following forms of medicines are prepared from marshmallow grass: tinctures, decoctions, infusions, juice, syrup, medicinal teas. Let us consider in more detail the features of each of the named forms.

Infusion

Often used infusion of roots. Standard preparation: 2 tablespoons of chopped raw materials require ½ liter of warm water. After combining the ingredients, the composition is infused for 6-8 hours. Then strain the solution. To improve the taste during internal administration, add honey to the drink. If the solution is used for external treatment, slightly warm up before performing the procedure.

An infusion of marshmallow flowers is prepared like this: 1 teaspoon of inflorescences pour a glass of boiling water. After two hours exposure, strain the flower infusion. Take thrice 1 tablespoon.

Infusion of mallow leaves is prepared according to a similar scheme. But there is a proportion: 1 tablespoon of raw materials per glass of boiling water. The infusion time is 1 hour. After filtering, take the drink 3-4 times in 1 tablespoon.

Tincture

According to tradition, vodka or purified alcohol is taken as the basis for the preparation of this variant of the medicine. Alcohol tincture treat diseases of the respiratory tract, genitourinary system. The algorithm for preparing the classic tincture: 20 g of crushed raw materials (in this case, plant roots) pour ½ liter of alcohol-containing product. Tincture should go through the aging process in a dark place for 10-14 days. Then strain it and use as intended. The drug under the right storage conditions is suitable for a year. For oral administration, the optimal dose is 10-15 drops per dose. It is advisable to dilute the medicine with water before use in order to protect the mucous membranes from burns.

Note: Do not use aluminum cookware to prepare medicines on alcohol.

Decoction

There are several options for making healing broths from marshmallow herbs.

The classic recipe for a root broth: brew 2 tablespoons of chopped dry roots in 500 ml of water. Determine the capacity with the composition on low heat, boil the contents for a quarter of an hour in this mode. Only after complete cooling, strain the solution using a strainer or gauze folded in several layers. Such a decoction is used in pediatrics, especially often it is recommended by doctors for allergic manifestations. Such a decoction is suitable for the treatment of burns, infected wounds, fungal skin lesions.

When treating tuberculosis, whole milk is used instead of water.

A decoction of a mixture of roots and leaves is used as a laxative.

Tea

Herbal teas are at the peak of popularity today. The high safety of such dosage forms in combination with a tangible therapeutic effect makes it possible to include such drinks in the treatment complex for a variety of diseases.

The standard formula for the preparation of healing tea with marshmallow:

1. 2 tablespoons of plant material pour 1 liter of boiling water.
2. Infuse the solution for 10-15 minutes.
3. Strain, add honey to taste.
4. Drink warm with flu, colds, coughs slowly, making small sips.

Tea from the root of the healing herb is prepared in exactly the same way. It is useful for peptic ulcer disease.

Marshmallow in combination with licorice root and comfrey helps to normalize sleep.

Butter

To prepare a valuable oil, you need to take the seeds of the plant as a basis. Combine 1 teaspoon of marshmallow grass seed with half a glass of any vegetable oil (an olive product is ideal). Then warm this mixture for an hour in a water bath. The composition obtained in this way is widely used to stimulate hair growth and their healing, rub into the scalp in a warm form. The number of sessions is 2-3 times a week. Usually a monthly course of treatment is enough to eliminate even complex problems.

Juice

Fresh mallow juice is considered a very valuable natural product that helps in the treatment of tuberculosis, lingering cough, cystitis, gastritis and a number of other diseases. Vegetable nectar is extracted from succulent greens, which are collected at the very beginning of summer. To significantly improve the condition of severe patients, it is enough to take 20 ml of fresh mallow juice three times a day. To make the drink more pleasant to taste, it is worth adding a little honey. Freshly squeezed marshmallow juice can treat wounds and rinse your eyes.

Syrup

Sweet marshmallow syrup is more often used in pediatric practice. The drug can be purchased without problems in a pharmacy and, if you wish, you can cook it yourself at home. It is better to prepare syrup from fresh roots. First they need to be finely chopped, and then follow the pattern:

1. Mix water with wine alcohol according to the formula: 1:45.
2. Pour 1 teaspoon of plant material into a suitable container with a filter, pour it with a water-alcohol base, put on low heat.
3. Collect everything and pass it through the filter to the bottom of the tank.
4. Repeat the manipulation for an hour. As a result, about 37 g of the required substance should be obtained at the output.
5. Add sugar (63 g) to the obtained liquid, determine the mixture on fire until the sugar crystals are completely dissolved.
6. Add a few drops of anise.

Give the resulting syrup to infants up to one year old by 1 teaspoon of the medicine diluted with water. Adults can take a pure product in 2 teaspoons.

There is an easier way to get marshmallow syrup from an aqueous infusion of grass. Mix the herbal drink with sugar, then heat on a low light, cool, add fruit syrup at the end.

Application in cosmetology

At the very beginning of the article, the ability of the marshmallow herb to support the beauty and health of hair and skin was mentioned. No wonder the ancient beauties, according to secret recipes, prepared unique compositions with this wonderful herb for skin care of the face and body. Unfortunately, many recipes are irretrievably lost, but some methods in the same form are successfully used by modern women. For example, a decoction of the seed of the grass of Althea is considered one of the most effective means of combating dandruff. And fresh leaves of the plant are applied to the skin of the face to improve its color and combat age signs.

We give recipes that should definitely be noted for girls and mature ladies.

Althea tonic infusion

This tool will help with inflammatory processes, irritation, severe peeling of the skin.

A solution for lotions is prepared according to the standard scheme: for 1 tablespoon of crushed raw materials, take a full glass of boiling water. After brewing, infuse for 3-4 hours, then strain. In the morning and evening apply napkins moistened with infusion to the problem areas of the skin. Such procedures will improve the appearance and restore normal skin tone.

Men can use this solution to treat facial skin after shaving. Also, a homemade preparation is suitable for performing such popular procedures as peeling and vacuum massage.

Remedy for boils and abscesses

Acne causes a lot of trouble. Poultices from fresh foliage and mallow flowers will help get rid of them.
Poultices with the use of leaves or flowers of mallow help to eliminate abscesses on the body. From the plant base, it is necessary to prepare a concentrated infusion according to the scheme: 2 tablespoons of the plant base per glass of boiling water. The solution should be infused all night, then use it for lotions up to 2 times a day. For a two-week course of such treatment, usually the skin is well cleansed of acne and takes on a healthy look.

Weakened hair product

To restore curls to a healthy shine, seeds of marshmallow grass should be used. First, they are well heated in a water bath, and then combine with vegetable oil. Rubbing this composition twice a week will strengthen the hair roots. By the way, butter with marshmallow grass helps to cope with such a common problem as baldness.

To combat dandruff, a decoction of seeds, prepared in a ratio of 1:20 with water, is more suitable. After an hour in a water bath, strain the solution. The resulting product can be used as a rinse after washing hair.

Contraindications

Although medicinal marshmallow belongs to the group of safe plants, side effects are not excluded. In the list of main contraindications for use:

• pregnancy and lactation:
• individual intolerance;
• tendency to constipation;
• varicose veins and thrombophlebitis.

In addition, althea syrup should be used very carefully for diabetics and infants.

Treatment with drugs with Althea grass cannot be combined with antitussive drugs that block the natural reflex.

Otherwise, homemade remedies from marshmallow grass, like cosmetic preparations, fully justify their healing characteristics.

Photo Althea